Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The M1917 was the US Army's first modern combat helmet, used from 1917 and during the 1920s, before being replaced by the M1917A1. The M1917A1 helmet was an updated version of the M1917 and initially used refurbished WW1 shells.
The M1917 is a near identical version of the British MkI steel helmet, and it is important to note that when the US joined the Great War in 1917 they were initially issued with a supply of around 400,000 British made Mk.Is, before production began state side. The M1917 differed slightly in its lining detail, and exhibited US manufacture markings.
M1917 helmet liners typically show a paper label at the crown and the dome rivet head. The liner is set up as on the British versions, with an oilcloth band and net configuration, attached to a leather strap, riveted to the shell. The chinstrap is leather with steel buckle.
This fine example has been restored with new paint by a master helmet restoration expert. It is a fantastic camouflage design featuring the "Red Cross" insignia, an emblem displayed by field medics in a large number of countries.
Helmet has a mostly complete original oil cloth and leather liner, though it is somewhat deteriorated from age, and fragile. The felt backing has torn, so the liner is loose in the helmet. There are still remnants of the original instruction label around the securing bolt. The shell is maker marked with the stamping on the underside of the rim 194 / ZD, which along with the standard rivets for the chin strap bales, indicates that this is an American production helmet.
The chinstrap is complete, though it is broken, and what remains is in delicate condition. However, it still bears the 7 1/4 size stamping on the crown strap.
This is a very nice example of a genuine USGI Great War helmet, expertly refurbished based on period photographs of Medic helmets. Ready to display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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